MARLYN KELLY

Marlyn Joseph Kelly, 81, died April 3, 2019 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Mass of Christian burial with military honors was held April 10 at St. Lambert Catholic Church with burial at St. Michael Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Marlyn Kelly was born October 9, 1937 near Dante to Francis "Pat" and Emma (Koupal) Kelly. He was raised in Dante until moving to a farm near Wagner. At the age of 17, Marlyn enlisted and honorably served in the US Navy. Following his discharge in 1959, Marlyn moved to Sioux Falls.

Marlyn to united in marriage with Judy L. Freeman on November 26, 1960 in Sioux City, IA. The couple made their home in Sioux Falls until 1964 when the family moved to Newton, KS, where Marlyn worked for Safeway Foods.

Marlyn and Judy were blessed with four children: Danny, Peggy, Dawn and David. Marlyn and Judy made their home in Sioux Falls in 1987 when Marlyn began working for John Morrell and Company where he worked for over 15 years. In his retirement, he worked part-time for Old English where he was currently still employed.

Marlyn was a parishioner at St. Lambert Catholic Church in Sioux Falls where he was active in the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Sioux Falls VFW and American Legion.

Marlyn had a passion for car races. While living in Kansas he would take his family to 81 Speedway in Wichita nearly every weekend. He even raced for many years in his "#37 car" Street Stock Car. This passion led him to fixing many cars in his own garage with his family and friends. The family is grateful that Marlyn is now racing alongside his favorite Nascar driver, Dale Earnhardt Sr.

Marlyn also enjoyed bowling and working in his vegetable garden. Above all, Marlyn loved spending time with his wife of nearly 59 years, Judy, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great granddaughter, his sisters, nieces, nephews and his many friends.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Judy Kelly of Sioux Falls; four children: Danny (Sandy) Kelly of Heston, KS, Peggy (Chris) Linn of Newton, KS, Dawn (Darin) Fowlds of Sioux Falls and David (Deana) Kelly of Sioux Falls, 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter; three sisters: Alma (Leonard) Thaler of Wagner, Valeria Merkwan of Wagner and Carolyn (Marty) Castle of Blaine, MN.

Marlyn was preceded in death by his parents: Francis "Pat" and Emma Kelly; grandson, Kevin Regier; brother, Norman "Jiggs" Kelly and sister, Zella Bastemeyer.